I spent five years at Forbes writing about business and leadership, attracting nearly one million unique visitors to Forbes.com each month. While here, I assistant edited the annual World’s 100 Most Powerful Women package and helped launch and grow ForbesWoman.com. I've appeared on CBS, CNBC, MSNBC and E Entertainment and speak often at conferences and events on women's leadership topics. I graduated summa cum laude from New York University with degrees in journalism and sociology and was honored with a best in business award from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers (SABEW) in 2012. My work has appeared in Businessweek, Ladies’ Home Journal, The Aesthete and Acura Style. I live in New York City with my husband and can be found on Twitter @Jenna_Goudreau, Facebook, and Google+.

Your colleagues describe you as an excellent negotiator who is almost “apolitical.” Will you approach these negotiations from a bi-partisan perspective?

Absolutely. One of the things that Sen. Baucus instills in all of us is that nobody has a monopoly on great ideas. Democrats have good ideas, and Republicans have good ideas. We’re never going to get anywhere if we only listen to ourselves. The only way you get a good deal is to sit down and talk with the other side.

You’re also one of very few women to hold such a high-stature position. Will your female perspective add a new dimension to the committee?

It’s exciting. I’m the first woman democratic staff director of the finance committee. Sen. Baucus believes strongly in promoting talented people regardless of gender or race. My immediate predecessor is an icon in the Senate who was here for 18 years, so I have enormous shoes to fill. Mine, of course, are far more stylish. I’m a mom of two small kids, ages 5 and 7. So like a lot of people across the country I’m constantly trying to figure out how to juggle all of that at the same time.

Is there a secret to the juggling act?

There’s no secret. It’s a challenge, but it makes life more interesting. Both mothers and fathers struggle with work-family balance. I like the idea of my boys seeing their mom in a strong role, playing whatever small part I might play in making this country a better place.

How did you get into politics?

I’m from St. Louis, Mo. I studied political science at Saint Louis University, and then went to law school at the University of Chicago, where I met my husband. I clerked for a judge in Baltimore my first year out of law school and then moved to Washington, D.C., in ‘97 to work for a law firm doing international litigation. I learned a lot but was reminded that a big law firm life was not for me, and what I really wanted to do was public service. So I paid off my law school loans and started a career in public service. My next job was the office of the US Trade Representatives (USTR)—flying around the world negotiating trade deals. I did that nonstop for about five years.

What do you think set you apart or set you up for leadership success?

The importance of both hard work and relationships can’t be underestimated. A lot of talented people took me under their wing. I try to pay that back and mentor young people because it’s important to nurture and develop talent.

After all those years in the USTR, what did you learn about negotiating?

To be a straight shooter. Make sure people understand what you need, and make sure you understand what they need. Build long-term relationships, and don’t burn bridges. You’re always going to need something from that person down the line. By building that relationship and gaining a better understanding of what the other side wants, you’re better able to put together a deal that works for everyone. That’s immensely important on Capitol Hill because that’s what we do every day.

I assume that will come in handy in the debt ceiling talks ahead.

It’s frustrating that we are lurching from one fiscal crisis to the next. We need to stop lurching. We have to work together.

Post Your Comment

Post Your Reply

Forbes writers have the ability to call out member comments they find particularly interesting. Called-out comments are highlighted across the Forbes network. You'll be notified if your comment is called out.